Deadpool Dies April 2015

Announced via the Nerdist, Marvel Comics has stated that they will kill Deadpool, known lovingly as the Merc With the Mouth, in Deadpool #250, thus ending the series. The second major character to be killed off recently, the first being Wolverine, Marvel is billing the issue as a grand finale for the character and its creative team, Brian Posehn, Gerry Dugan and Tony Moore.

The story is supposed to follow Deadpool’s final battle against the terrorist organization known as ULTIMATIUM. The organization has tangled with the chimichanga loving mercenary for months, building towards a bloody confrontation. The issue will feature previous Deadpool writers including Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, Mike Drucker, Nick Giovanetti, Paul Scheer and Jason Mantzoukas. Sadly Rick Remember, who many regard as one of the best writers of the character, will not be participating in the send-off to Deadpool.

“Whatever happens, remember to protect me!”

In an interview with the Nerdist, Duggan explained what he and Posehn are looking to achieve for their final issue.

“In all honesty, the story that you’re going to get in Deadpool #250, is a story that we really have been building to since the first issue of Deadpool NOW,” said Duggan. “And it will absolutely feel – it will feel, I hope, readers will think that this is an appropriate end for this Deadpool.”

Originally a mercenary known only as Wade Wilson, Deadpool was a former test subject of the Weapon X Program, the same program that gave Wolverine his adamantium skeleton. While Wilson gained an extremely advanced version of Logan’s healing ability, the experiment left him horribly disfigured and insane. Deadpool’s powers and personality make him one of Marvel’s most violent and funniest characters. Deadpool is a former member of the Wolverine-led X-Force, and has more recently been seen fighting side-by-side Marvel’s most popular heroes. He’s perhaps best known for breaking the fourth wall, talking directly with the reader.

Much like the “Death of Wolverine” storyline, Marvel’s choice to kill the sass talking mercenary reeks of backroom politics. Many are aware that 20th Century Fox, not Marvel Studios, owns the film rights to Deadpool. With the Deadpool film set to be released February 2016, it’s obvious that Marvel is attempting to undercut anticipation for the movie, even if that means canceling a book and losing (at least for now) yet another beloved character.

At the end of the day, fans would love it if Marvel Studios could have every character under its roof, but the reality of that ever happening is extremely unlikely. By punishing Fox, Marvel is hurting both its readers and writers. This move by Marvel will only increase the level of animosity between all parties, making it even more difficult for everyone in between, especially the fans.

What about you reader? Does the “death” of Deadpool interest you at all? Is this an attempt to get back at Fox? Let us know in the comments below.

While braving the snow-swept wasteland of Buffalo, New York for 18 long years, Christopher Herman developed a love for geek culture. A child of the 90s, he was raised on the valuable lessons taught by Batman: The Animated Series, Hey Arnold and Animaniacs. Eventually discovering a passion for movies, books, comics and video games, Chris began hoarding his knowledge of geekdom. Whether it’s Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, Mass Effect, Firefly or Avatar: The Last Airbender, he’s always willing to discuss the intricate worlds and stories of geek properties. Chris currently resides in San Marcos, TX.